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Choosing a builder to renovate or carry out structural work on your home can be a risky business. However, homeowners can now reduce that risk by logging onto the Federation of Master Builders web site, or in a new initiative, the property section of the Daily Telegraph's web site.
As part of an ongoing campaign to assist homeowners choose reputable builders instead of cowboys, the Federation of Master Builders, which has the largest and most comprehensive internet listing of professional builders throughout the UK, has expanded its internet presence by linking up with the Daily Telegraph.
Having accessed the property section of the electronic version of the newspaper, homeowners can find out how to choose a registered FMB builder in their area and how to ensure that any work carried out is covered by an insurance-backed warranty. The site also gives valuable guidelines on how to ensure that the building work is carried out properly.
Ian Davis, Director General of the Federation of Master Builders, believes that the internet represents a useful tool against cowboy builders. He commented:
"The internet offers immediate assistance for homeowners wantng to locate a professional builder. All listed companies are registered members of the Federation which means that their work must satisfy our workmanship and quality standards. The growing use of the internet for shopping and locating professional services underlines the need for this service."
The new services complements the Federation's own comprehensive web site, FMB-On-line, which is supported through a Department of Trade and Industry initiative with funding from B&Q Warehouse, Blue Circle Cement and British Telecom.
Mr Davis added:
"Linking up with national newspapers will further increase the ease for homeowners to find a professional builder. It is a further step in removing the scourge of the cowboy."
First posted: 5 March 1999. Last modified: 29 March 1999.
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